Prop 8 Protest Information Thread

[Morrigoon]

Sooo... is tomorrow the first protest-free day since the passage of 8, or is the barrage of a protest a day going to (delightfully) continue?

You realize that LoT has been represented at some kind of protest every day thus far.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Originally Posted by Alex

(and 40% of the reason I post this is to make sure I go and don't find a way to talk myself out of it since protests and rallys are really outside my natural inclinations).

Congratulations, Alex! I'm seeing LOTS of people on the marches who are (many for the first time) doing something outside their comfort zone.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Originally Posted by Tenigma

I read the following with interest:

Four Lessons Gay Marriage Actvists Must Learn From Obama

from Huffington Post by Lee Stranahan

I don't quite agree with everything in this editorial. For instance, I think the protests are quite valuable. As I've said, they've given me the opportunity to engage with people standing on the sidelines and have conversations I can't have from behind my farmer's market stand. Also, and I think this is crucial, the rallies have given us a place to actually come together as a group. People who aren't Gay may think that we all watch Ellen or Logo, or go to the same bars, or even live in the same neighborhoods. Not so. There is no central Gay rallying point when something goes down, except, as far as I know, the corner of San Vicente and Santa Monica. There is no "Gay leadership." What is coming out of these rallies is a desire to organize, and an effective use of the internet and cell phone technology that we didn't have during the AB101 marches. Since this is the first time a presidential campaign has used these things effectively enough to win, pardon us for being a bit behind the curve. But don't worry, our adaptation will be quick, and, as with all things Gays pick up (and this may have a lot to do with the fact that we're, by nature and by circumstance, extremely self-sufficient), we'll do it better.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

We have, indeed, spread out and covered all of the days, and that makes me very proud. You know what would be even greater? If we could get EVERYONE together for the march on city hall next week. We've marched in small groups, but I think it would be great to have a LoT-en-masse march together.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Agreed with Gn2 - these rallies have solidified the movement. There was a guy at the rally yesterday getting email addresses from everyone so he could send out updates on other rallies.

This will come together and become a force to be reckoned with. One of the signs at our rally said "No more Mr. Nice Gay" (with pictures of Big Gay Al and Mr. Garrison), and I think that hit it on the head.

[Gemini Cricket]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2008

Contact: Ali Bay
Phone: 916.284.9187

NO on Prop 8 Campaign Leaders Call on Community to Stand Together

Top leaders from the NO on Prop 8 campaign today issued the following statement urging leaders in the community to stand together following the passage of Prop 8.

“This has been an incredibly difficult week for Californians who are disappointed in the passage of Proposition 8, which takes away the right to marry for same-sex couples in our state. We feel a profound sense of disappointment in this defeat, but know that in order to move forward we must continue to stand together as one community in order to secure full equality in California.

“In working to defeat Prop 8, a profound coalition banded together to fight for equality. Faith leaders, labor, teachers, civil rights leaders and communities of color, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, public officials, local school boards and city councils, parents, corporate law firms and bar associations, businesses, and people from all walks of life joined together to stand up against discrimination. We must build on this coalition in order to achieve equal rights for all Californians.

“We achieve nothing if we isolate the people who did not stand with us in this fight. We only further divide our state if we attempt to blame people of faith, African American voters, rural communities and others for this loss. We know people of all faiths, races and backgrounds stand with us in our fight to end discrimination, and will continue to do so. Now more than ever it is critical that we work together and respect our differences that make us a diverse and unique society. Only with that understanding will we achieve justice and equality for all.”

Geoff Kors, Executive Director, Equality California
Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights
Lorri Jean, CEO, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center
Delores Jacobs, CEO, San Diego Gay and Lesbian Center

...

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Isaac

Saw our protest on KABC7.

In that video, at 3:10 in they are talking about the Saddleback protest. The camera zooms out, guess whose gray Mazda 3 that is waiting to turn left to park?

And here's the earlier report where you can clearly see BtD and CP's "Intolerance is Immoral" sign.

[BDBopper]

I wanted to drop by and post some encouragement for y'all. Keep fighting for what you believe in. Don't ever give up. You may not win this round but if it means that much to you don't every give up. Even the smallest voice can have a huge impact. All you have to do is stand up and let your voice be heard. While i disagree with both sides on this matter I have the utmost amount of respect for each of you fighting your principles and your cause. Thumbs up to each of you. I'm proud of y'all!!

[Gemini Cricket]

I love all the pictures.

I get so happy inside and teary-eyed on the outside seeing pictures of my friends standing up for something so important.

More than that, I noticed that with my semi sorta randy sign that I was holding on Saturday, it takes courage to protest knowing that all eyes are on you and your fellow protesters. I know that as someone who can be kinda anxiety-riddled in crowds, it takes a lot out of me (you know, someone who chooses to express himself a lot on a discussion board, in writing and who is clumsy in face-to-face debates) to go out in public and voice myself. I'm glad there are people out there who are leaving their comfort zones behind and speaking up.

[BDBopper]

Brad, I know how you feel. We're on different sides of the cosmos on the issues but we have both done the same thing during this cycle. If you told me a year and a half ago I'd be standing outside in the cold waving sings for a political candidate I would have said "You must be out of you mind!" It was something well out of my comfort zone. However I will admit you showed more courage than I did by default. You can actually see the reactions of people driving and walking by. I can't. I didn't know even half of the reaction I got until being briefed after wards. While I got thumbs up and horn honks I also got plenty of middle fingers. I had a feeling I would but I did it anyway because I needed to stand up for what I believed in the the candidate I believed in. You made the same decision Brad and for that I am proud of you!